Still would choose a lever gun. Shot my marlin Model 1885 with a 22 inch barrel yesterday chambered in 45/70. It will take down any size game, easy to reload and projectiles can be made from old wheel weights. All you lever gun folks know out there how easy it is to disassemble. One screw for the lever, remove the extractor and the bolt slide out. All done and ready to be cleaned. Old fashion I guess